Which of the following diseases is caused by iron deficiency ?
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It is helpful to memorize a list of common vitamins and minerals and their associated deficiency diseases. Key pairs include: Iron \(\rightarrow\) Anaemia; Vitamin A \(\rightarrow\) Night Blindness; Vitamin B1 \(\rightarrow\) Beriberi; Vitamin C \(\rightarrow\) Scurvy; Vitamin D \(\rightarrow\) Rickets; Iodine \(\rightarrow\) Goitre.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the disease caused by a lack of iron in the diet. Step 2: Detailed Explanation: (C) Anaemia: Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. A deficiency of iron leads to a decrease in hemoglobin production, resulting in a condition called iron-deficiency anaemia. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
The other diseases are caused by different nutrient deficiencies: (A) Night blindness: Caused by a deficiency of Vitamin A. (B) Beriberi: Caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). Step 3: Final Answer:
Iron deficiency causes Anaemia.